by Linda Sole
Kerrin was stunned. The news had shocked him so much that he did not know how to deal with it. What had made the earl change his mind? Was it because Montroy had killed her father? Was this the Earl of Devereaux’s notion of honour…making recompense for her loss? Or had he seen her and decided that he wanted her in his bed?
To Kerrin, Rhoda was the most beautiful woman in England or perhaps the world. He had loved her from the moment he first saw her as a young girl and his desire had grown as she became a woman and he grew into his manhood. How could she have agreed to this marriage? Kerrin felt the burn of jealousy. She was his. She belonged to him and no one else.
Wild thoughts of killing the earl and riding off with Rhoda filled his mind as he walked away from the others. Yet he knew that it was impossible. He was a good swordsman but compared with the earl he was unskilled and he would probably die at the point of his lord’s sword – unless he was overpowered and hung.
Kerrin felt his guts churn with hatred. He had been pleased to serve the Earl Devereaux but now he hated him. Why should he have the woman who belonged to him?
Rhoda loved him. She had sworn she loved only Kerrin when they lay together in the long grass before the mead was cut. He had touched her body, kissed her breasts…the inside of her thighs. Her sighs of pleasure had driven him almost mad with need but he had respected her refusal to let him go further. Surely her conscience must trouble her. The earl thought her innocent but she was Kerrin’s in all but the last; she had protected her maidenhead vowing that she wanted to come to him as a virgin bride. Now she would give that precious gift to the earl.
Anger and bitterness churned in him. He should go to the earl, tell him that she was not chaste and then ride off with her. Yet she would deny the charge, which was serious and would make her unfit for such a marriage.
Tears stung his eyes. He could not shame her before the world. Kerrin was angry but he loved her still. He brushed a hand over his eyes. It would tear him apart to see her every day and know that she was wife to the earl, the lord he had vowed to serve.
He must see her. She would walk in the courtyard sooner or later. Somehow he must talk to Rhoda and beg her to come away with him. If she refused he would leave the earl’s service and ride away. There were other lords and he would rather starve than stay here and suffer the jealousy that was already beginning to eat at his insides.
*
Rhoda touched the chain of gold set with green stones. She had never seen anything like it but she believed the stones were emeralds, those fabled jewels that had the power to heal. It was said that if a man had the falling sickness he should keep an emerald on his person to drive away the evil spirit that possessed him.
The earl’s steward had brought the jewel to her earlier that morning. The marriage was to take place so soon, because the earl had to travel to Winchester to meet with Prince Edward. Rhoda was feeling bewildered by the speed at which her life was changing. One day she had been on her way to marry a man she despised and now, this very morning, she would wed one of the most handsome men she had ever seen.
It was true that the earl seemed cold at times. His kiss had been hungry but he did not look at her in the way that Kerrin once had and she wondered what it would be like to lie with the man who would soon be her husband. Would he caress her and kiss her the way Kerrin had, bringing her slowly to a climax so sweet that she shuddered and cried out raking his shoulders with her nails?
Kerrin had wanted to take her maidenhead so desperately but she had always resisted and because he loved her he had accepted what she gave and not forced her – as he could have, had he wished. She was glad that she had preserved her virginity for the way the earl had looked at her when he asked if she were innocent had frightened her. She thought that he would be very angry if he knew how close she had come to giving her virginity to her lover.
She pushed the thought to the back of her mind. The earl must never know the truth.
‘Are you ready, my lady?’ The woman Joanne was looking at her curiously and she realised she had been dreaming. ‘Shall I fasten the chain for you?’
‘Yes, please do. The clasp is small and not easy to open.’ Rhoda lifted her long hair so that the woman could place the chain about her neck and fasten it. She was wearing a cap on her head; made of quilted silk threaded with gold mesh, it curved at each side; fine veiling hung from the back and looped over her arm. The tunic she had chosen to wear was cloth of gold with long hanging sleeves embroidered at the shoulders and hems. It was the gown she had ordered for her wedding, which meant that somehow the earl had diverted her goods as well as her person.
‘I should have flowers of some kind,’ Rhoda said and glanced at herself in a tiny mirror made of burnished silver. Her image was not clear but Kerrin had told her many times that she was beautiful.
She must not think of him today. It was her wedding day and she should think only pure thoughts.
‘Your posy!’ Joanne looked stricken. ‘I left it in the shade by the fishpond to keep it fresh. Forgive me, my lady. I shall fetch it at once.’
‘Be quick for we must not keep the earl waiting.’
As the woman hurried away, Rhoda went to the small window and glanced out at the clear blue sky. She had not been outside the hall since she arrived, because she was mindful that for a single lady to walk alone amongst men who owed her no allegiance might be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Once she was wed to the earl his men would respect her and she would be free to go where she pleased.
Hearing the door open behind her, she said, ‘You were quick,’ and turned, gasping as she saw the man standing on the threshold. ‘Kerrin! What are you doing here? You should not be in my chamber.’
‘You did not walk out as is your custom and I had to see you before it was too late.’ Kerrin moved towards her, his face tight with pleading. ‘Do not marry him, Rhoda. I beg you to reconsider. He will not make you happy. You love me. You belong to me. Have you forgot all we were to each other?’
‘It is too late. I have given my word.’ Rhoda’s heart was beating furiously. ‘If anyone saw you here they would think the worst. The earl would be angry. He would punish us both.’
‘We could leave now while everyone is gathering in the chapel for the wedding. We could be far away before they realised you had gone.’
‘No! It is too late I tell you. Go away. Leave my room quickly before my woman returns.’
Kerrin stared at her, seeing the fear in her eyes. She was thinking only of the earl’s displeasure. It meant nothing to her that he was here. She wanted to marry the Earl Devereaux. He read the truth in her face and a surge of anger swept through him.
‘I should tell him what we did in the meadow. He should know the truth about his bride.’
‘What we did was wrong but I am still virgin and you can prove nothing. If you tell lies about me I shall swear that my father sent you away because you tried to force yourself on me…’
‘Witch! You are as false as you are lovely, Rhoda.’
‘I cared for you once…’ Her eyes were soft and pleading. ‘Do not hate me, Kerrin. I regretted that I sent you away but I could never marry you. I want the life I shall have as the Countess Devereaux.’
‘Jewels and rich robes mean more to you than love?’ Kerrin felt pain twist in his guts as he understood that she was vain and foolish. The girl he had adored lived only in his head ‘Very well, marry your earl. You will live to regret it, Rhoda. His heart lies in the grave with his dead wife.’
‘Leave now before I scream and call the guard.’
Kerrin gave her a long, accusing stare and went out. Rhoda sank down on to the edge of the bed, her knees turned to jelly. She was trembling and she felt sick. Supposing someone saw him leave her chamber? If he should betray her to the earl…it did not bear thinking of.
A wave of regret swept over her. If she had ever loved anyone it was Kerrin. He was the sweetest of lovers, tender and passionate. She suddenly understood that she would never love anyone else
as she had loved Kerrin, but it was too late for regrets. Rising to her feet once more, Rhoda shut out her feeling of remorse. The earl was strong and handsome. He would give her everything she wanted of life. A man such as he might even give her more pleasure than Kerrin had in the meadows.
When Joanne returned with the flowers, Rhoda was composed and ready for her wedding. Kerrin had been her first love and she would remember him with fondness but she would be the wife of an earl.
*
Robert had spent the night in the chapel praying for the soul of his dead wife. He asked that Melloria would forgive him for taking another wife before his mourning was done.
‘I shall never love her as I loved you,’ he vowed as moonlight filtered through the stained glass windows and played on the silver cross that adorned the altar. ‘You were the wife of my heart and it remains yours forever. Yet I must have a son, Melloria.’
He had the strangest feeling, as if his wife spoke to him, begging him to help her. For a moment he wanted to turn back time, take back the promise he had made Rhoda Morgan. If he thought for one moment that Melloria still lived he would send the girl to a convent, but all his efforts to find his wife met with disappointment. She had simply disappeared into the night.
If he had found his daughter, the woman who had taken her might have told him where Melloria’s body lay, but Malham’s murder had thwarted him. Malham had believed he knew where the child was; therefore, it was not impossible that someone else could discover the truth. Robert had been summoned to attend Prince Edward at Winchester and he would ask the prince to intervene with the Bishop. A request from the prince could not be ignored. The child would be found and perhaps the truth about Melloria’s death would be revealed.
Robert turned his mind to his wedding. The girl seemed willing enough and she was certainly comely, though in his opinion she did not have the kind of glorious beauty that had been Melloria’s. He believed she would make a dutiful wife, though the eagerness of her response to his kiss worried him. Melloria had been passionate after they married but he had courted her for weeks before she allowed him to kiss her.
Was Rhoda chaste? He must be sure that she would not lie with another when his back was turned for she would be the mother of his heir. He had no thoughts of love or tenderness towards her, though he had felt desire when he looked at her. Whether or not he would have felt as much for a comely whore he could not tell. He had not lain with a woman for months and it might be that his body had betrayed him.
He thrust his thoughts aside as unworthy. The girl was innocent. Had she not sworn it? Her eagerness was to please. He must put aside his grief for a time and do his duty towards her. Rhoda’s father’s blood was on his hands as surely as if he had slain him himself. Robert owed her recompense for the loss of a father and her betrothed. Had she been happy to go to a nunnery he would have given her a dowry but she wanted a husband and children. The marriage would be benefit them both.
As dawn broke, Robert went to his chamber to prepare for the wedding. It was as he was changing his gown later that he heard voices in Rhoda’s chamber, which was connected to his own by a stout door. The words were indistinguishable but he could have sworn that one of the voices belonged to a man.
He frowned as he considered what business a man might have in his bride’s chamber. Perhaps his steward had taken her the chain, which was Robert’s wedding gift to Rhoda? A moment later he heard voices again – the voice of the serving woman and Rhoda. He left his chamber and made his way to the chapel to await his bride.
He was wrong to suspect her. Rhoda was sweet and innocent. She would not betray him with another even before she had taken her vows.
*
Rhoda’s hair was covered by a fine veil, which hung from a head-dress that fitted closely to her skull and was made of gold filigree work. Her tunic was slender and skimmed her narrow hips, flaring out at the hem. The under-tunic had sleeves of rich blue trimmed with beads and embroidery and her surcoat of deep blue velvet was edged with fur.
Her stomach fluttered with nerves as she walked down the aisle to stand by the earl’s side. He too was dressed in rich robes of some dark blue cloth heavily encrusted with silk embroidery and semi-precious stones. She was aware that he turned his head to glance at her but she did not know if he smiled for she could not meet his gaze. What did she know of this man to whom she had given herself so easily? He was handsome and rich but she had begun to realise that perhaps wealth was not everything. Kerrin might be right. In time she might regret that she had sold herself to a loveless marriage. The earl had not once mentioned love or feeling, though she knew he desired her. She had fought against a similar marriage with Montroy, why had she so readily accepted this one?
Rhoda had no answers for her questions, which had come too late. She stood silently by the earl’s side and gave her responses to the priest when requested. When the time came for the earl to lift her veil she tried to smile but her face felt frozen and she could do no more than accept the brief touch of his mouth on hers. Then he offered his arm and they walked from the chapel together. Somewhere a bell was being rung. It was a joyous sound but Rhoda could feel nothing. She was suddenly afraid, though she did not know what she feared.
There was to be a feast in the great hall. The smell of roasting boar wafted on the air and made her stomach rumble, reminding her that she had eaten little for two days. Robert looked at her, a faint smile on his lips.
‘You are hungry, my lady?’
‘I have eaten little since I left my father’s home. The smell of roasting boar made me aware that I was hungry.’
‘We shall feast well today. Make the most of the fare offered for tomorrow we shall ride for Winchester.’
‘You will take me with you to court?’ Rhoda blushed as his eyes rested on her face. ‘I was not certain if you would wish me to accompany you.’
‘I am called to meet Prince Edward. He will wish to meet the lady who hath done me the honour of becoming my wife.’
Some of her nervousness fell away. She had never been to court though she had often thought she would enjoy seeing the rich nobles and their ladies. She wondered if there would be feasting and merriment or whether her husband would spend all his time in council, but she did not dare to question him. His stern manner made him seem unapproachable and she could hardly believe he was her husband.
As they entered the great hall, she saw that the tables had been set up and men stood by the benches waiting for their lord and his lady. A cheer went up as the earl led her to the high board and gave her the place of honour at his left hand. He gestured that she should sit down but remained standing to address his followers.
‘Many of you knew my late wife Melloria,’ he said as a hush fell. ‘I have mourned her sincerely and I know she would want me to take a new bride and provide the heir to my earldom. She will not be forgotten but we must look to the future. My friends, I ask you to drink to the health of my countess – the lady Rhoda.’
‘The countess – the lady Rhoda…’
The men lifted their tankards and wine cups, saluting her before drinking the toast. Another cheer went up and then they all sat as the servants began to carry in huge platters of food. Trenchers of wood or bread were provided so that the men could help themselves to the various messes of beef in red wine sauce, sweetbreads, woodcock, carp and roast boar. The boar’s head was carried in on a silver platter and was saluted by various jests, and then roasted meat was brought to table. Removes of sweet plums, neats tongues and dates with a marchpane paste had been provided to tempt the more delicate palate of the only ladies present. Amongst so many men, Rhoda was pleased to see that her woman Joanne had been seated at the top of one of the adjacent boards so that she could catch her eye now and then.
‘Are there no other ladies here in the castle?’ she asked after the feasting had begun.
‘My wife sent her women away after Devereaux was taken. She had cousins to attend her but most have taken vows and ar
e now living in a convent. When we get to court we shall see if one or two more ladies can be found to keep you company, Rhoda. Someone will have a young relative they wish to place in a good house. You will not lack for companions for long.’
‘I have never been used to many companions. I have a nurse but she was left at home when we journey to Winchester. I have no sisters or cousins.’
‘It is no matter. Someone will be found. The Countess of Devereaux must have women to serve and amuse her.’
‘Thank you.’
Rhoda glanced about her. She noticed that one of the men was dressed very differently from the others, who were all wearing their lord’s colours of blue and gold. This man had long hair and a thin face, and his tunic was fashioned of crimson cloth. He carried an instrument that she thought was a small harp, though unlike the one she had been used to play.
‘Is he a troubadour?’ she asked, nodding her head towards the man. ‘Will he play for us?’
‘That is his purpose.’
The earl lifted his hand and signed to the man in crimson. He got to his feet and walked into the centre of the room. Strumming his fingers over the strings, he brought forth lilting music. His song was both sweet and sad for it told of great love between a lady and her lord. However, the lord was forced to leave his love and go to war where he fell in battle. The lady was left to languish in the castle until she died of a broken heart.
Rhoda shivered, feeling as if a dark shadow had descended on the day. ‘Does Master Troubadour not know any happier songs?’
‘I dare say he may.’ The earl beckoned the man. He came and bowed low before them. ‘My lady wishes for something to make her smile, sirrah. Have you a merry tune?’
‘Aye, lord. ‘Tis past the time for Maying but the songs of spring are the merriest.’
He looked at Rhoda and bowed low to her. ‘This is for you, my lady.’
‘There was a lady fair of face…
Beautiful and filled with grace…
Hey nonny, nonny, no…
It was the merry month of May
